What are Phytochemicals?

Phytochemicals are active and healthy substances contained in plants. Known as "a gift from plants to humans". Phytochemicals have been a major discovery in humans in recent years, and their significance is comparable to the discovery of antibiotics and vitamins. In recent years, with the development of phytochemical substance identification, separation, purification and other technologies, international research on phytochemical substances' biological effects, structure-activity relationship, dose-response relationship, and safety evaluation has also made great progress.

Phytochemicals Phytochemicals

There are hundreds of phytochemicals in plant foods, and several well-known forms are listed below.

Acid Horn Tree : Bioflavonoids, carotenes, glucosinolates, organic sulfides, phytoandrogens, flavones, indoles, isoflavones, limonoids, lycopene, p-coumaric acid, phenol, and more Phenols, plant sterols, terpenes. ^[1]

Good source of phytochemicals

All plant foods contain phytochemicals.The following foods are rich in phytochemicals that are particularly beneficial to the human body: whole grains, green cauliflower, cabbage, cauliflower, citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, garlic, tea, herbs and Seasoning spices, onions, tomatoes, soybeans, wine. ^[1]

Phytochemicals Phytochemicals

Research on phytochemicals, Karl Hongbang, influenced by the concept of Chinese medicine, firmly believes that concentrated extracts of natural plants contain nutrients needed by humans, which he calls phytonutrients. Later, it was discovered that in addition to rich basic nutrients in plants, there are a wide variety of non-nutrient biologically active substances, which are called phytochemicals by academics. Studies have confirmed that these phytochemicals, such as lycopene, allicin, and zeatin, have significant effects on inhibiting free radicals and enhancing the body's immunity.

In human history, people instinctively ingested phytochemicals by consuming fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and so on. However, the huge changes in human production methods and lifestyles brought about by modern industrialization and urbanization have made humans away from the original healthy and natural living conditions. Therefore, while the calorie intake is sufficient or excessive, the intake of phytochemicals is seriously insufficient. Become an important factor threatening human health. Scientific research has found that some plant extracts have irreplaceable functions in health care.

---- Phytochemical grapefruit juice-helps reduce cancer risk

It is known that citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are rich in vitamin C. Recent research has shown that they also contain compounds that reduce the risk of cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas reported that grapefruit reduces the chance of cancer. At the same time, researchers at Kanazawa Medical University in Japan also published the same theory. In another experiment with smokers, the University of Hawaii team found that drinking grapefruit juice daily could help reduce the risk of cancer among smokers. This medicinal effect of grapefruit can bring great benefits to the pharmaceutical industry. The principle that grapefruit juice can reduce the risk of cancer is because a substance in it can prevent the formation of the CYP3A4 enzyme. Researchers hope that the substance can eventually be developed into a drug to reduce the incidence of cancer and save treatment costs.

---- Phytochemicals Vegetable synthesis-Stop cancer cell growth

A research group in the United States has found that broccoli compounds can prevent cancer cells from growing. Its mechanism of action is to prevent cancer cells from spreading by preventing the formation of microtubules. Researchers have been surprised to find that the substance can stop cancer cells from growing. At the same time, this compound can also be found in vegetables such as cabbage. When people chew these vegetables, they can release anti-cancer compounds. The treatment of cancer is basically limited to chemotherapy, and the discovery of this substance may help treat cancer.

---- Phytochemical corn husk extract ---- water soluble dietary fiber

A food chemical company uses new technology to extract water-soluble dietary fiber from corn husks. The dietary fiber is arabinose. According to reports, this new type of food has the function of activating T cells and B cells that can stimulate immune function, and can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, it can also play a role in inhibiting the growth of cholesterol in human blood, preventing coronary arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and it can adjust the intestinal flora, promote the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria that are beneficial to the human body, and inhibit the growth of spoilage bacteria , Anti-constipation, anti-aging and other functions.

---- Phytochemicals found in plants-new anti-AIDS substances

After repeated screening and experiments, an active substance in valerian was found from 329 natural medicines, which has the effect of effectively blocking and killing HIV. This is the first new type of anti-HIV agent found in plants in the world, and has been confirmed to have a highly effective anti-HIV effect by Osaka University in Japan. According to the Osaka University Institute of Microbiology, this substance has a killing rate of 81% in vitro experiments on HIV. This result was published at the 48th Congress of the National Pharmaceutical Association of Japan's Biopharmaceutical Society, which caused great repercussions and won the Congress Excellence Award. The anti-AIDS principle of this new substance is: HIV proliferation requires its unique Rev protein to move from the nucleus to the nucleus. The newly discovered active substance can block the Rev protein from moving out of the nucleus, thereby destroying the virus. It is reported that although the world's anti-AIDS drugs can slow the onset of disease, they cannot be completely treated, and they will also produce drug resistance and major adverse reactions. This new type of blocker has opened up a whole new way to treat AIDS. If combined with previous drugs, new therapeutic effects are expected.

---- Phytochemical pineapple extract-helps treat asthma

Bromelain extracted from pineapple juice can reduce inflammation caused by asthma. Experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut in the United States showed that mice infected with acute asthma were divided into 3 groups, one was the control group, and the other two were the control group, taking 2 mg or 6 mg of pineapple Protease. The duration of the experiment was 8 days. Researchers have found that bromelain can significantly reduce the total number of white blood cells, which increase with the onset of asthma. With this research, it can bring the gospel to millions of asthma patients. It is reported that asthma is now the most common chronic disease in Britain, and it is also the most common chronic disease in developed countries.

The foreign health products industry has been actively developing and promoting products rich in phytochemicals to supplement human needs. They insist on extracting vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals from natural plants for health food production. The phytochemicals in this original ecological product, while exerting their own effects, can also promote the other basic nutrients in the product to be fully absorbed by the human body, and can maintain the biological activity of some easily oxidized nutrients. This will be the direction of health food research and development.

Phytochemicals Phytochemicals Research Achievements

In fact, natural vegetables and fruits contain various types of chemical ingredients. For example, once a red, it was advertised as a green algae rich in chlorophyll, dark green, red and yellow fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene, and tea containing catechol. These are phytochemicals that have only been discovered in modern times. Phytochemicals exist in various plants, but their efficacy is still being discovered and confirmed so far. The following is a list of some projects that have been researched and have some preliminary results to share with you.

Phytochemicals grains and beans

Whole grains and whole beans are a treasure trove of various beneficial human body ingredients.

Most grains and legumes are rich in saponins, which can neutralize some carcinogenic enzymes in the intestinal tract and at the same time can reduce cholesterol levels indirectly.

Isoflavones are an important class of substances, the first of which is worthy of introduction is the phytoestrogen, which is similar to the structure and function of female estrogens, can reduce blood cholesterol, and can Relieves discomfort after menopause in menopause. In particular, it may reduce women's chances of developing breast and cervical cancer. The second type is genistein, which can inhibit the formation and growth of capillaries, and it can inhibit the growth of tumors. The most representative food that contains a lot of these beneficial substances is soybeans, which may also be one of the reasons for the people in the east who eat soybeans and soybean products to have less breast and cervical cancer.

In addition, soybeans and whole grains also contain a substance called protein inhibitors (proteaseinhibitors), which can inhibit the activity of enzymes that promote the growth of cancer cells, and make cancer cells grow slowly.

Phytic acid, which is mainly found in cereals, can be combined with metal substances to reduce the generation of free machines that cause cancer. The lignin contained in cereals has also been shown to remove free radicals in the blood, inhibit cholesterol growth, and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Phytochemicals cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage (cauliflower), mustard, Chinese cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Qingjiang cabbage, rapeseed, green broccoli, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bulbous cabbage (rutabaga), radishes, and kale * It is rich in vitamin C and carotene, and also contains indoles and sulfur-containing organic compounds. It may prevent breast cancer, and sulforaphane in sulfur-containing organic compounds can induce cells to produce phase IIenzymes, inhibit carcinogens from jeopardizing DNA in cells, and inhibit canceration at an early stage.

Phytochemicals dark fruits and vegetables

Dark vegetables and fruits are not only rich in vitamin C, but also a large amount of carotenoids. There are more than 600 members in this family, including carotene, lycopene, lutein, etc. Typical foods include dark leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, papaya, melon, sweet potatoes and so on.

Carotene has the effect of protecting eyes and avoiding ultraviolet rays. Lack of lycopene may be related to the development of islet adenocarcinoma. According to research, people with high levels of lutein in the body are less likely to develop lung cancer than people with low levels of lutein in the body.

Phytochemicals Onion, garlic, chives

In addition to onions, this type of food is often used as a condiment. Their characteristic is that it contains a pungent odor. The main source of ingredients is organic compounds containing sulfur and selenium.

They mainly contain allylicsulfides, which have anti-mutation and anti-cancer effects, and can block the toxicity of poisons produced by bacteria.

In addition, allicin in garlic can reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver. However, the effectiveness of garlic does not stop there. Allicin has a powerful bactericidal effect. It is a natural antibiotic that can prevent bacterial infection of the digestive tract. Garlic can reduce the viscosity of platelets and prevent platelets from sticking to the walls of blood vessels, causing arteriosclerosis.

And garlic and onions have been proven to activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver,

Phytochemicals Citrus

Such fruits include oranges, oranges, oranges (Shangi), lemons, grapefruits, mandarins (citrons), and the like. They are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and also some other anti-cancer ingredients: limonene and terpenes. They have been found in animal experiments to reduce the expansion of breast cancer.

Phytochemical tea

The effective ingredient in tea is mainly catechin, which has the effect of preventing esophageal cancer, rectal cancer and skin cancer.

According to research, people who drink more tea will have lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in their blood and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

In fact, many phytochemicals have been proven to prevent diseases and improve the health of the body. They are protective substances for the body. They are commonly found in various cereals, beans, vegetables, and fruits. The phytochemicals listed above are just a few of the few. Others may be beneficial to the human body. Their types are thousands. If only superstitions call Antioxidant health ingredients-vitamin C, E, -carotene or selenium, or even any other single antioxidant substance, I am afraid there may be a leak, we suggest that readers still eat a variety of plant-based foods. Create wonderful variety of foods to help us maintain our health in different positions and angles, so that there will be no regrets left over.

Phytochemicals Phytochemicals and health products

Thousands of phytochemicals (phytochemicals) are contained in natural vegetables and fruits. In fact, many phytochemicals have been proven to prevent diseases and improve physical health. For example, the carotenoid family is a very important class of phytochemicals. They are widely found in dark fruits and vegetables. There are more than six hundred or seven hundred members in this family, including carotene, lutein, and lycopene. , Zeaxanthin, and more. ^[1]

Phytochemicals are not essential nutrients for the human body, but they have physiological functions such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidation, anti-thrombosis, regulating immune function, inhibiting inflammatory processes, affecting blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar, promoting digestion, etc. More and more attention. Phytochemicals have become another new research and development direction of health products after vitamins and minerals.

Phytochemicals Research on Phytochemicals

Due to the low content of phytochemicals and the limited means of separation, it is not possible to study all phytochemicals individually. Therefore, in many cases phytochemicals appear as a collective noun. However, the benefits of phytochemicals on human health are increasingly recognized and valued by the academic community. Some experts even believe that phytochemicals are a major human discovery, and their significance is even comparable to that of vitamins.

Two weeks ago, at the "Professional Symposium on the Biological Effects and Application of Phytochemicals" co-sponsored by the Food Toxicology Professional Committee of the Chinese Toxicology Association and the Nutrilite Nutrition and Health Research Center, a member of the American Academy of Nutrition David

Dr. Richardson emphasized that the research on phytochemicals is one of the fastest growing fields in the world. Similarly, phytochemicals are a very exciting new field in the field of nutrition. "Epidemiological studies have reached relevant conclusions-diets based on whole grains, vegetables and fruits are beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, and scientists are currently working hard to study this in EU laboratories How benefits work, "he said. At the same time, governments in some countries are actively funding such research in order to find a solid scientific basis for the formulation of laws and regulations related to nutrition and health claims for this country.

According to reports, with the development of phytochemical substances identification, separation, purification and other technologies, international research on phytochemicals' biological effects, structure-activity relationship, dose-response relationship, and safety evaluation has also made great progress. At present, the latest research directions of phytochemicals or phytonutrients include: 1. Plant varieties that can provide the most abundant sources of phytonutrients; 2. Limitation of intake; 3. Retaining phytonutrients in plants to the greatest extent It is lost due to improper harvesting methods; 4. Maintaining the maximum biological activity of phytochemicals; 5. Problems with bioavailability and metabolism; 6. The production of intestinal microorganisms and active metabolites; 7. Health and Reduce the impact of disease risk.

Phytochemical health products giants get involved

It is understood that in China, phytochemicals are called "health foods", Europe is called "new foods", and the United States is called "dietary supplements." The industry believes that phytochemicals have a large family and a variety of physiologically active effects. This series of real physiologically active effects can at least avoid the suffering of health food companies from manipulating the concept out of nothing and then hyping the concept. At the same time, the safety of phytochemicals is relatively high, and health foods made from it are relatively safe in food consumption. Therefore, the health food industry has longed for the development of health foods using phytochemicals.

It is understood that some world-renowned health food production giants have begun to get involved in the research and development and manufacture of phytochemicals. "Many of our products are related to this, and capital investment will be further increased." Hongbang said. Although Sam Hongbang emphasized that "the main purpose of this trip is to strengthen the exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign scholars in the field of phytochemicals research." However, as the sponsor of this seminar, it still caused media speculation.

Phytochemicals domestic health products are expected to break a single situation

Researcher Chen Junshi of the Institute of Food and Nutrition of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention believes that in the field of phytochemicals research, there is a big gap between Chinese companies and foreign countries. However, the industry predicts that the R & D and promotion of health food giants will likely attract domestic manufacturers to follow and imitate. According to Chen Junshi, the processing technology of phytochemicals, including planting, harvesting, production and even packaging, is extremely important. Otherwise, these substances will be denatured, which will not only benefit the human body, but will also harm health. Chen Junshi suggested that domestic enterprises should increase investment in R & D and can no longer follow the old road of focusing on "advertising all over the sky."

Chen Junshi pointed out that "one thousand people" is one of the common problems in China's health food industry. "Taking Ginkgo as an example, it was originally a peculiar plant for medicinal and food use in China. It has been used for more than a thousand years, but Europe has been ahead of China in terms of product development, extracts, and functional research. Today, China exports a large amount of raw materials to Europe, and Ginkgo biloba extract preparations are still mostly produced in Europe. "Fish oil is also a typical example. Before the Food and Drug Administration took over health food, more than 200 fish oils were approved by the Ministry of Health alone. . Among them, there are many low-level repetitions and few innovative products. Of course, this is also related to the weak basic research in the health food industry and the insufficient investment in research and development.

Experts believe that actively carrying out scientific and technological research and development in the field of phytochemicals, giving full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine resources in China, combined with advanced biochemical engineering and genetic engineering technologies, will be an important breakthrough in improving the quality of China's nutritional health food industry .